β-Ketoacyl ACP reductase genes from Brassica napus

ABSTRACT

A full length cDNA of rape seed β-ketoreductase pJRS 10.1 having the Sequence ID-1.

This invention relates to the β-ketoacyl ACP reductase genes from Brassica napus and uses thereof.

The overall pathway of fatty acid synthesis from malonyl CoA is the same in all organisms. However the structural organisation of the participating enzymes varies widely among different kingdoms. A single multifunctional fatty acid synthase (FAS) polypeptide is found in mammals, whereas two interacting multifunctional polypeptides function in yeast. In contrast, in prokaryotes and plants each step in the FAS pathway is catalysed by a separate monofunctional enzyme. The enzyme activities which make up this pathway include "condensing enzymes" which catalyse the reaction of malonyl ACP with an acyl ACP (or acetyl CoA in the case of KASIII which initiates the pathway) producing a β-ketoacyl ACP (with a chain length 2 carbon atoms longer than the initial acceptor). These molecules are then reduced by β-ketoacyl ACP reductase to a β-hydroxyacyl ACP. A dehydratase enzyme then converts this intermediate to an enoyl ACP which is subsequently reduced by enoyl reductase to generate a fatty acyl ACP. In plants evidence from cellular fractionation and immunolocalisation studies suggests that fatty acid synthesis takes place in plastids. In leaves these are chloroplasts, in seeds these are leucoplasts.

This invention is principally concerned with genes encoding the FAS pathway enzyme NADPH linked β-ketoacyl ACP reductase (β-ketoreductase). Two forms of this enzyme, one NADPH-linked, the other NADH-linked, have been reported to be localised in plastids. The function of the NADH-linked enzyme is unknown. It is the NADPH-linked enzyme that functions in fatty acid biosynthesis. This NADPH-linked β-ketoreductase is coordinately induced with other fatty acid biosynthetic enzymes, just before and during lipid accumulation in developing oil seeds.

Partial length cDNA clones encoding β-ketoreductase, of chain length 0.32 kb and 0.1 kb have already been isolated from a cDNA library from developing seed of Brassica napus, and a full length cDNA within a 1.2 kb clone has already been isolated from a cDNA library from Arabidopsis leaf (Slabas et al (1992)).

An object of this invention is to provide gene sequences encoding β-ketoacyl ACP reductase.

According to the present invention there are provided:

(a) a full length cDNA of rape seed β-ketoreductase pJRS10.1

(b) a full length cDNA of rape leaf β-ketoreductase pJRL6.2

(c) genomic DNAs of rape β-ketoreductase: pJGR11.7, pJGR24.10, pJGR27.11.

The cDNA of rape seed β-ketoreductase, according to the invention, may be used as a heterologous probe to select clones of β-ketoreductase genes from other oilseeds eg soya, sunflower, maize, coconut, oil palm.

Also, the genomic DNA of rape seed β-ketoreductase may be used to recover the promoter of this gene. This promoter can be used to generate RNA in a tissue specific and developmentally regulated way. The RNA so generated may promote expression of β-ketoreductase or may encode another protein, for example another enzyme, which will then be expressed specifically in the developing oilseed.

Additionally, the cDNAs of rape seed ketoreductase can be used to make expression cassettes (sense or antisense) to transform rape to down regulate production of the seed β-ketoreductase enzyme. This will produce rape plants with low or modified oil content. Down-regulation will divert metabolism of assimilates into alternative storage compounds eg starch, protein or other polymers inserted by genetic engineering, such as PHB.

Further according to the invention full length cDNAs of rape β-ketoreductase can be used to create expression cassettes either with a powerful promoter, or by inserting extra copies of the gene, to promote over-expression of β-ketoreductase, leading to rape plants with enhanced oil content.

The full length cDNAs of rape seed and leaf ketoreductase genes contain "transit peptide" sequences which direct the ketoreductase proteins to chloroplasts or leucoplasts, the transit peptide being cleaved of during import of the protein into the plastid. These transit peptides can therefore be used in gene fusions to direct other proteins to the plastids of leaf and seed tissues.

We have prepared a poly dT primed cDNA library from developing rape embryo and have obtained another from rape leaf. A full length Arabidopsis cDNA clone was already available. A 0.2 kb fragment corresponding to the 5' part of the mature protein of the Arabidopsis cDNA clone was used as a probe to screen the rape embryo cDNA library. A full length 1.2 kb cDNA clone (pJRS10.1) was thereby isolated and sequenced. This contained an open reading frame corresponding to 315 amino acids.

The rape leaf cDNA library was probed with a 0.96 kb fragment from the Arabidopsis leaf β-ketoreductase cDNA. A 1.2 kb cDNA clone (pJRL6.2) was thereby isolated and sequenced. This was found to contain the full open reading frame of the β-ketoreductase gene.

A 0.32 kb rape seed cDNA fragment which was already available (Slabas et al (1992)) was used to probe a rape embryo genomic DNA library. Nine classes of genomic DNA clones were identified by restriction analysis and clones corresponding to these classes were subcloned into a plasmid vector. Partial sequence analysis showed that 5 classes were present. Four subclones--pJGR3.2, pJGR11.7, pJGR24.10 and pJGR27.11--were subject to further sequence analysis.

Two genomic clones were isolated from an Arabidopsis genomic library using exactly the same screening procedure, but the 0.96 kb fragment from Arabidopsis cDNA was used as a probe rather than the rape cDNA. These genomic clones showed differences in the 5' transit peptide sequence, at the nucleotide and amino acid level.

The rape leaf and seed cDNAs showed no difference in the 5' transit peptide sequence at either the nucleotide or amino acid level. They did, however, show small differences in the 3' untranslated region. The genomic clone 27.11 shows significant homology to the seeds cDNA 6.1.

Seed specific expression of the gene corresponding to one of the β-ketoreductase genomic clones was found by single strand confirmation poltmorphisms and statistical analysis of cDNAs isolated.

The promotor of the putative seed expressed reductase gene was used in a GUS gene fusion cassette. Expression of this gene in transgenic rape plants showed the expression of the GUS gene was seed specific.

The following clones have been deposited, in Escherichia coli strain XL1-Blue, with the National Collection of Industrial and Marine Bacteria Limited, 23 St.Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB2 1RY, under the terms of the Budapest Treaty on the Deposit of Microorganisms for Patent Purposes:

    ______________________________________                                         Clone Name  Date of Deposit                                                                            Accession Number                                       ______________________________________                                         pJGR11.7    May 26th, 1994                                                                             NCIMB 40640                                              pJGR24.10 May 26th, 1994 NCIMB 40641                                           pJGR27.11 May 26th, 1994 NCIMB 40642                                         ______________________________________                                    

Confirmatory evidence that the clones encode ketoreductase is that:

The rape seed cDNA pJRS10.1 and the rape leaf cDNA pJRL6.2 showed substantial sequence homology at both the nucleotide and amino acid level with the Arabidopsis β-ketoreductase cDNA previously isolated.

Antibodies raised against avocado β-ketoreductase strongly recognise the protein produced by expression of the open reading frame of clone pJRS10.1 in E.coli.

Crude extracts of E.coli expressing the open reading frame of the clone pJRS10.1 showed β-ketoreductase enzyme activity markedly enhanced over that of non-transformed E.coli.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following Figures where:

FIG. 1 shows a map corresponding to Arabidopsis genomic clone pJGA19.3. The introns are shown in white and the exons in black. The map is not drawn to scale. The regions for which sequence has been obtained are indicated.

FIG. 2 shows a theoretical map corresponding to the rape β-ketoreductase genomic subclones. The introns are shown in white and the exons in black. The introns are not drawn to scale. A dashed line indicates a cloning artefact. The positions of Box A and Box B, which have been sequenced in both directions, are shown.

The following nucleotide sequences are provided herewith:

Sequence ID-1 is the nucleotide sequence of the rape seed cDNA clone pJRS10.1.

Sequence ID-2 is the nucleotide sequence of the rape leaf cDNA clone pJRL6.2.

Sequence ID-3 is the nucleotide sequence of rape genomic subclone pJGR11.7 5' region

Sequence ID-4 is the nucleotide sequence of rape genomic subclone pJGR 11.7 Box A.

Sequence ID-5 is the nucleotide sequence of rape genomic subclone pJGR 11.7 Box B.

Sequence ID-6 is the nucleotide sequence of rape genomic subclone pJGR 27.11 5' region.

Sequence ID-7 is the nucleotide sequence of rape genomic subclone pJGR2 7.11 Box A.

Sequence ID-8 is the nucleotide sequence of rape genomic subclone pJGR27.11 Box B.

Sequence ID-9 is the amino acid sequence encoded by the open reading frame in Sequence ID-1 from nucleotide position 70 to nucleotide position 1017.

Sequence ID-10 is the amino acid sequence encoded by the open reading frame in Sequence ID-2 from nucleotide position 13 to nucleotide position 960.

The invention will now be described in the following Example.

EXAMPLE Materials and Methods

1.1 Preparation of Competent XL1 Blue and 0359 Escherichia coli Cells

XL1 Blue cells were grown overnight in 50 ml LB media+0.2% maltose+50 ml tetracycline. Q359 cells were grown without the addition of tetracycline. The cells were centrifuged at 3000 g for 10 mins and the cell pellet taken up in 5 ml 10 mM MgSO₄ and stored at 4° C. Cells were used fresh for primary screening and no older than two days for subsequent screening.

1.2 Rape Seed cDNA Library

The cDNA library used was generated using the mRNA from mid stage developing Jet neuf rape embryos (harvested at approximately 7-8 weeks days post anthesis). The 1 strand synthesis was carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions (Amersham International). The resulting cDNA generated was cloned into the Eco RI/Xho site of l-ZAP as recommended by the manufacturers (Stratagene). The host bacteria used was XL1 Blue (see paragraph 1.1 for preparation of cells).

1.3 Rape Genomic Library

The rape genomic library used was derived from Jet neuf total DNA. After Sau 3A partial digest, it was cloned in EMBL 3A. The host bacteria used was Q359 (see paragraph 1.1 for preparation of cells).

1.4 Probe Preparation and Labelling

Plasmid DNA from Arabidopsis β-ketoreductase 1.2 kb cDNA clone and rape β-ketoreductase 0.32 kb cDNA clone (5) was prepared by the Qiagen tip method as recommended by the manufacturers (Qiagen inc.). Probe for the screening of rape seed cDNA library was generated by a Xho 1/Hpa (20 U each) double digest of 10 μg of the plasmid containing the Arabidopsis cDNA clone (1.2 kb) to give an isolated fragment size of 0.2 kb. Probe for the screening of rape genomic library was generated by the digestion of 1 μg of the plasmid containing the rape cDNA clone (0.32 kb) with 20 U Eco RI, and the fragment isolated was 0.32 kb. All digests were carried out using restriction enzymes from Boehringer at 37° C. for 3.4 h. Digest were separated by 1% TAE buffered agarose gel electrophoresis and the required fragments cut out from the gel. The DNA was obtained from the gel slice using the method recommended by Geneclean II (Bio 101). DNA concentration was determined by spectrophotometry.

The probes (200-300 ng) were radio-labelled with α-³² PdCTP using the Megaprime kit from Amersham International to a level of 5×10⁹ dpm/μg. Unincorporated label was removed using Bio-Spin chromatography columns (Bio-Rad).

Just before use for hybridisation the radio-labelled probe was boiled for 5 min. and place on iced water for 2 min. before being added to hybridisation buffer at 65° C.

1.5 cDNA Library Primary Screening

For the rape seed cDNA library 4×50,000 pfu's (200,000 total pfu's) were added to 2 ml of competent XL1 blue cells, mixed and incubated at 37° C. for 20 min. The cultures were then added to 4×30 ml top agarose which had been melted and held at 55° C., mixed briefly and poured onto prewarmed (37° C.) 4 large LB plates (243×243×18 mm). Plates were left at room temperature for 20 min and incubated overnight at 37° C. The plates were finally incubated at 4° C. for 30 min.

Square sheets of nitrocellulose were carefully placed onto the surface of each plate and allowed to soak in for 2 min., pealed off and placed onto 3MM blotting paper soaked in denaturing solution (1.5 M NaCl. 0.5 M NaOH) for 2 min. To neutralise the filters each was subsequently placed for 2 min. onto 3MM paper soaked in neutralising solution (1.5 M NaCl, 0.5 M Tris-HCl pH 7.4) and finally for 2 min. onto 3MM paper soaked in 2× SSC. To immobilise the blotted DNA each filter was placed in a vacuum oven at 80° C. for 1 h.

The filters were incubated in 20 ml pre-hybridisation buffer (6× SSC, 1× Denhardt's 0.5% SDS, 0.05% Sodium Pyrophosphate, 50 g/ml Herring sperm DNA) with constant mixing for 2 h. at 65° C. at which point the buffer was discarded. The radio-labelled probe (see paragraph 1.4) was added to 10 ml hybridisation buffer (6× SSC, 1× Denhardt's, 0.5% SDS, 0.05% Sodium Pyrophosphate, 1 mM EDTA) previously equilibrated to 65° C. and hybridisation buffer/probe removed but retained at -20° C. for the subsequent screens

To wash off the unbound probe the filters were washed with 1× SSC, 0.1% SDS for 30 min. at room temperature and then the same solution for 2×30 min. at 65° C. Filters were air dried and exposed to film overnight at -80° C. Positive plaques were located and pulled out from the plate using the wide end of a Pasteur pipette. The plug was placed into a microcentrifuge tube containing 1 ml SM buffer and 10 μl chloroform, vortexed and incubated at room temperature for 1 h. The suspension was spun for 2 min. on a bench top centrifuge and 750 μl of the supernatant containing the pfu's retained was removed and kept at 4° C.

1.6 Genomic Library Primary Screening

For the rape genomic library 4×50,000 pfu's (200,000 total pfu's) were screened using competent Q359 cells on 4 plates. The methods used were as already described (see paragraph 1.5) but in a genetic manipulation isolation unit.

1.7 cDNA and Genomic Secondary Screening

50-200 pfu's in 100 μl SM buffer were added to 50 μl of competent cells, mixed and incubated at 37° C. for 20 min. The culture was then added to 3 ml melted top agarose at 55° C., mixed briefly and poured onto pre-warmed (37° C.) small LB plates (850 mm diameter). Plates were held at room temperature for 20 min, and incubated overnight at 37° C. The plates were finally incubated at 4° C. for 30 min.

Pre-hybridisation and hybridisation were carried out in the same way as that in the primary screen (see paragraph 1.5), using the same hybridisation buffer/probe boiled for 5 min before use.

The procedure for lifting, preparing, probing, washing and exposing the filters was essentially the same as that already described (see paragraph 1.5).

The positive plaques were removed as a plug using the narrow end of a Pasteur pipette, placed into microcentrifuge tubes containing 500 μl SM buffer and 10 μl chloroform vortexed and incubated at room temperature for 1 h. The suspension was spun for 2 min. in a bench top centrifuge and 450 μl of the supernatant containing the pfu's retained was removed and kept at 4° C.

1.8 cDNA and Genomic Tertiary Screening

The method was essentially the same as that for the secondary screen (see paragraph 1.7) using only 10-20 pfu's per plate. Exposure of the nitrocellulose filters was only required for 4 h at room temperature in this instance.

1.9 Isolation of DNA from Positive Plaques

Plasmid rescue for cDNA clones was carried out as described by the Stratagene protocol for "In vivo excision of pSK from l-ZAP II clones". The DNA from the pSK derived clones was prepared in large quantities using the Qiagen tip method.

1.10 Preparation of Genomic DNA from Positive Plaques

20 μl of phage supernatant obtained after the tertiary screen was incubated with 500 μl fresh competent KW251 cells (see paragraph 1.1) at 37° C. for 20 min. This culture was added to 50 ml pre-warmed LB media (37° C. for 5-7 h. After that 250 μl chloroform was added to the culture and incubated for a further 15 min. at 37° C. Cell debris was spun out at 10,000×g at room temperature for 10 min and DNase/RNase added to the supernatant to a final concentration of 1 μg/ml and incubated at 37° C. for 30 min. 5 g Polyethylene glycol 8000 and 3.2 g NaCl was added, dissolved gently with magnetic stirrer and the solution was incubated at 4° C. overnight.

The resultant suspension was centrifuged at 10,000×g at 4° C. for 20 min., and the phage particles taken up in 5 ml 20 mM Tris-Hcl pH 7.4, 100 mM MgSO₄. The solution was extracted twice with chloroform, and twice with phenol:chloroform (1:1). To precipitate the DNA, an equal volume of cold isopropanol was added and left on ice for 30 min. The precipitated DNA was centrifuged at 10,000×g and washed with cold 70% ether before being pelleted again. The DNA was resuspended in 200 μl of 10 mM Tris-HCl pH7.5, 1 mM EDTA.

1.11 Sequencing DNA Clones

Sequencing was carried out by the manufacturer's recommended methods for the machine used (Applied Biosystems Inc. 373A DNA sequencer). Both forward and reverse primers (-21m13 and M13RP1) were used initially for all clones. Oligonucleotides generated from the Arabidopsis cDNA clone (1.2 kb) were used to further sequence pJRS10.1 (rape seed cDNA clone); pJGR3.2: pJGR11.7; pJGR24.10 and pJGR27.11 (Rape genomic clone pJRS10.1; pJGR3.2; pJGR11.7 and pJGR24.10 were subjected to nested deletions by the recommended method (Pharmacia, "d.s. Nested Deletion Kit") and sequenced with forward and reverse primers and generated oligonucleotide priming. Computer analysis of DNA sequence was carried out using the SEQNET package from the SERC facility at Daresbury and DNA Strider.

1.12 Overexpression Studies

Oligonucleotides were synthesized in order to amplify by PCR the sequence encoding the mature protein, thus creating restriction sites for Bam Hl and Nco l at the termini. This PCR fragment was inserted into Bam Hl/Nco l digested pET-11d vector and transformed into E.coli BL21 (DE3) for expression of β-ketoreductase.

1.13 Molecular Techniques

Southern blots, northern blots, polymerase chain reaction and subcloning were carried out according to the methods used by Sambrook et al.

1.14 β-ketoreductase Enzyme Assay

β-ketoreductase activity was monitored by measuring the decrease of A₃₄₀ according to the protocol of Slabas et al.

Results and Discussion

cDNA Cloning

A 0.2 kb fragment corresponding to the 5 part of the mature protein of the Arabidopsis thaliana β-ketoreductase cDNA clone was used as a probe to screen a l-ZAP rape seed cDNA library. Several clones were isolated and the largest was chosen for DNA sequencing.

This 1.2 kb rape embryo β-ketoreductase cDNA clone, inserted between the Eco Rl and Xho l site of the multicloning cassette of pSK, was called pJRS10.1. The DNA was recovered by plasmid rescue in the host E.coli strain XL1 Blue.

The nucleotide sequence of the rape seed cDNA clone (SEQ.ID-1) contains an ORF of 945 bp corresponding to a polypeptide of 315 amino acids. The 3' untranslated region is 171 bp in length including a polyadenylated tail. At the 5' end of the clone there is an untranslated region of 69 bp. The degree of identity between the encoded proteins of the rape seed and Arabidopsis leaf cDNA clones was extremely high at the nucleotide and amino acid level. Comparison of both sequences reveals that the rape seed protein is synthesized as a precursor containing an N-terminal extension of 55-amino acids. The 55-amino acid extension shows the three distinct features characteristic of stromal-targetting plastid transit peptides.

A 0.96 kb fragment from the Arabidopsis leaf β-ketoreductase cDNA was used as a probe to screen a cDNA library from rape leaf.

Two clones were isolated, inserted in the Eco R1 site of the multicloning cassette of pSK--pJRL6.2 (1.2 kb) and pJRL7.1 (2.4 kb). The DNA was recovered by plasmid rescue in the host strain XL 1 Blue. Both these clones were sequenced. pJRL6.2 was found to contain the full open reading frame of the β-keto-reductase gene (SEQ. ID-2). Clone pJRL7.1 had identical sequence at the 3' end but obviously contained a cloning artefact at its 5' end.

Southern and Northern Analysis

Using the rape seed cDNA clone as a probe in Southern blot hybridization experiments with restricted rape DNA, several hybridizing bands were observed. The results shown in FIG. 1 suggest that β-ketoreductase in rape is encoded by a small gene family of 3 members. Northern blot analysis was performed using mRNA isolated from rape leaves and seeds and using pJRS10.1 as probe. As shown in FIG. 2, an RNA band of 1.7 kb was detected but with different intensity in both tissues showing that the expression of this gene in seeds is approximately 20 times higher than in leaves.

Overexpressed Protein

The rape seed β-ketoreductase cDNA clone was overexpressed in a E.coli expression vector for the production of large quantities of protein. The quantification of the level of expression by SDS-PAGE showed that 5% of total soluble protein corresponded to β-ketoreductase. Antibodies raised against avocado β-ketoreductase are non-cross reactive with the rape protein but strongly recognise the overproduced rape enzyme in E.coli probably as a result of a higher concentration of the rape protein. To check if the overexpressed enzyme is biologically active, crude extracts from E.coli BL21 (DE3) induced with IPTG transformants were obtained and assayed for β-ketoreductase. High levels of activity compared with non-transformants were observed.

Arabidopsis β-ketoreductase Genomic Clones

Five independent genomic clones were isolated in l-FIX ll vector, which strongly hybridized to a 0.96 kb fragment of the Arabidopsis cDNA used as a probe. These were called as follows: lJA15; lJA16; lJA17; lJA19; lJA22

Restriction digests showed that broadly 3 classes were present:

Class 1=lJA19; lJA15

Class 2=lJA22; lJA16

Class 3=lJA17 (appears to be an overlapping clone of lJA22)

Clones corresponding to the classes 1 and 2 were subcloned into plasmid vector pSK as follows:

Clone lJA19: A Hind lll fragment of 4.0 kb was cloned into the Hind lll site of pSK giving pJGA19.3.

Clone lJA22: A Hind lll fragment of 5.0 kb was cloned into the Hind lll site of pSK giving pJGA22.4.

The host strain for these subclones was Escherichia coli XL1 blue. Both pJGA 19.3 and pJGA 22.4 have been partially sequenced.

FIG. 3 shows a map corresponding to subclone pJGA 19.3, with the areas indicated for which sequence has been obtained.

Rape β-ketoreductase Genomic Clones

35 independent genomic clones were isolated from the EMBL 3A library. These were termed:

lJR1; lJR2; lJR3; lJR4; lJR5; lJR6; lJR7; lJR8; lJR10; lJR11; lJR12; lJR14; lJR15; lJR16; lJR19; lJR20; lJR21; lJR22; lJR23; lJR24; lJR25; lJR26; lJR27; lJR29; lJR30; lJR31; lJR32; lJR34; lJR35; lJR39; lJR40; lJR41; lJR43; lJR45; lJR46.

Restriction analyses demonstrated that 9 different classes were present:

Class 1=lJR3; lJR4; lJR5; lJR15; lJR20; lJR29; lJR34; lJR35.

Class 2=lJR7; lJR8; lJR10; lJR12; lJR19; lJR21; lJR23; lJR26; lJR31; lJR32.

Class 3=lJR11; lJR1; lJR2; lJR6; lJR14; lJR22; lJR25.

Class 4=lJR24; lJR16.

Class 5=lJR27; lJR46.

Class 6=lJR30.

Class 7=lJR39.

Class 8=lJR40; lJR45.

Class 9=lJR43; lJR41.

Clones corresponding to these classes were subcloned into plasmid vector pKS as follows:

Clone lJR3: Xba l fragment of 4.0 kb giving pJGR3.2

Clone lJR7: Eco Rl fragment of 2.5 kb giving pJGR7.1

Clone lJR11: Eco Rl fragment of 3.0 kb giving pJGR11.7

Clone lJR24: Cla l fragment of 5.0 kb giving pJGR24.10

Clone lJR27: Eco Rl fragment of 2.5 kb giving pJGR27.11

Clone lJR30: Cla l fragment of 5.0 kb giving pJGR30.1

Clone lJR39: Cla l fragment of 5.0 kb giving pJGR39.27

Clone lJR40; Eco Rl fragment of 3.0 kb giving pJGR40.1

Clone lJR43: Cla l fragment of 4.0 kb giving pJGR43.5

Sequence analysis with reverse and forward primers showed that using exact sequence conservation at the nucleotide level, 5 classes were present. These are as follows:

pJGR3.2

pJGR11.7=pJGR40.1

pJGR24.10=pJGR30.1=pJGR39.27

pJGR27.11=pJGR7.1

pJGR43.5

The following subclones were subjected to further sequence analysis.

pJGR3.2 4.0 kb subclone in the Xba l site of pKS.

pJGR11.7 3.0 kb subclone in the Eco Rl site of pKS.

pJGR24.10 5.0 kb subclone in the Cla l site of pKS.

pJGR27.11 2.5 kb subclone in the Eco Rl site of pKS.

pJGR43.5 4.0 kb subclone in the Cla l site of pKS.

The host strain for these subclones was XL1 blue.

Both pJGR3.2 and pJGR24.10 show identical sequence. They also show identical sequence with the leaf cDNA pJRL 6.2.

None of the subclones shows identical sequence with the rape seed cDNA pJRS10.1.

pJGR 43.5 showed sequence which did not correspond to a β-ketoreductase gene.

Further studies concentrated on comparisons of the subclones pJGR11.7 and pJGR27.11. (Partial sequencing only of these subclones has been performed. FIG. 4 shows a theoretical map corresponding to these subclones showing the positions at Box A and Box B. The sequences obtained for pJGR 11.7 for 5' region, Box A and Box B are SEQ.ID-3, SEQ.ID-4 and SEQ.ID-5 respectively. The corresponding sequence for pJGR27.11 are SEQ.ID-6, SEQ.ID-7 and SEQ.ID-8. These subclones showed sequence differences in the 5' translated region, and in the 3' untranslated region.

Single strand confirmation polymorphisms showed that the expression of one of these genes was markedly enhanced in the seed compared with the leaf.

Further studies using RNase protection and "Quantitative competitive PCR" confirmed that the expression of one of these clones was higher in seed than in leaf.

pJGR27.11 contained 0.5 kb of 5' untranscribed information.

pJGR11.7 contained 1.0 kb of 5' untranscribed information.

This region of the gene was isolated from clone pJGR11.7 and cloned into a vector containing a GUS reporter gene. This 11.7 promoter/GUS construct was transformed into rape plants. Expression of GUS activity in the resulting transformants showed that the promoter of the gene corresponding to clone pJGR11.7 is more active in the seed than in the leaf.

Thereafter pJGR 27.11 is cloned into a vector containing the GUS reporter gene and transformed into rape with similar results.

References:

Logemann, J. et al. (1987) Anal. Biochem. 163, 16-20.

Sambrook, J. (1989) "Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual." 2nd Edition. CSH Laboratory Press.

Slabas A. R. et al (1992) Biochem. J. 283, 321-326.

    __________________________________________________________________________     #             SEQUENCE LISTING                                                    - -  - - (1) GENERAL INFORMATION:                                              - -    (iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 10                                           - -  - - (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:1:                                      - -      (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 1185 base - #pairs                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                  - -     (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:1:                                - - GGCACGAGCT TCCTTGGCCT CTCTCTCTCT CTCTCCCTCT CCACCCGTCT CC -             #ACCTCCTC     60                                                                  - - CTCCGTTCGA TGGCAACCAC CGTCGCAGCA ACAAAGCTCA CCTCCTTGAA AG -             #CCGTCAAG    120                                                                  - - AAGCTCGGTT TCCGTGAGAT CCGTCAGGTC CGTCAATGGA CTCCGCTTCA GT -             #CTTCGATG    180                                                                  - - CCTCATTTCG GATCGCGGCA GTCATTCGCA ACCTCCACTG TTGTGAAAGC TC -             #AAGCGACA    240                                                                  - - GCTGTTGAGC AATCGACAGG AGAAGCTGTT CCGAAAGTGG AGTCTCCGGT GG -             #TCGTTGTG    300                                                                  - - ACTGGTGCTT CGAGAGGGAT TGGTAAAGCT ATTGCTCTTT CCTTGGGCAA AG -             #CTGGCTGC    360                                                                  - - AAGGTCTTGG TGAACTATGC TAGGTCAGCA AAGGAGGCTG AGGAAGTTTC TA -             #AACAGATT    420                                                                  - - GAAGCATATG GAGGCCAGGC TATTACTTTT GGGGGTGATG TCTCCAAAGA GG -             #CTGATGTG    480                                                                  - - GAAGCCATGA TGAAAACCGC TATTGATGCA TGGGGAACCA TTGATGTCGT CG -             #TCAACAAT    540                                                                  - - GCAGGAATCA CTCGGGATAC CTTGTTGATA CGAATGAAGA AGTCCCAATG GG -             #ATGAAGTG    600                                                                  - - ATTGATTTGA ATCTCACTGG AGTCTTTCTC TGTACCCAGG CAGCAACAAA GA -             #TCATGATG    660                                                                  - - AAGAAGAGAA AGGGAAGAAT CATCAACATT GCGTCAGTTG TTGGTCTCAT TG -             #GTAATATT    720                                                                  - - GGCCAAGCAA ACTACGCTGC TGCTAAAGCT GGTGTTATTG GGTTCTCCAA GA -             #CTGCCGCC    780                                                                  - - AGAGAGGGTG CGAGCAGGAA TATAAATGTC AATGTGGTTT GCCCTGGGTT CA -             #TTGCATCT    840                                                                  - - GACATGACTG CCAAGCTTGG AGAAGACATG GAAAAGAAAA TCTTGGGAAC AA -             #TCCCATTA    900                                                                  - - GGACGATATG GACAACCTGA AGATGTGGCT GGCTTGGTAG AATTCTTGGC TC -             #TCAGTCCT    960                                                                  - - GCAGCTAGTT ACATCACAGG ACAGGCATTC ACCATTGATG GAGGTATTGC CA -             #TCTAGGCA   1020                                                                  - - TTTGTTAAGA GTTGCTTTGT GTTTAGGCAA AACCGATTTG GTAAAACAGA CA -             #AAGTTGAG   1080                                                                  - - TTTATTCCGG CACTTGGTCG GATTTCTGTT CTGTGGATTC TGTTCGGAGA GA -             #AATCTAAA   1140                                                                  - - ACGCATTGCT TAAACTAAGT TACGTAAAAA AAAAAAAAAA AAAAA   - #                     1185                                                                         - -  - - (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:2:                                      - -      (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 1155 base - #pairs                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                  - -     (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:2:                                - - CTCCTCCGTT CGATGGCAAC CACCGTCGCA GCAACAAAGC TCACCTCCTT GA -              #AAGCCGTC     60                                                                  - - AAGAAGCTCG GTTTCCGTGA GATCCGTCAG GTCCGTCAAT GGACTCCGCT TC -             #AGTCTTCG    120                                                                  - - ATGCCTCATT TCGGATCGCG GCAGTCATTC GCAACCTCCA CTGTTGTGAA AG -             #CTCAAGCG    180                                                                  - - ACAGCTGTTG AGCAATCGAC AGGAGAAGCT GTTCCGAAAG TGGAGTCTCC GG -             #TGGTCGTT    240                                                                  - - GTGACTGGTG CTTCGAGAGG GATTGGTAAA GCTATTGCTC TTTCCTTGGG CA -             #AAGCTGGC    300                                                                  - - TGCAAGGTCT TGGTGAACTA TGCTAGGTCA GCAAAGGAGG CTGAGGAAGT TT -             #CTAAACAG    360                                                                  - - ATTGAAGCAT ATGGAGGCCA GGCTATTACT TTTGGGGGTG ATGTCTCCAA AG -             #AGGCTGAT    420                                                                  - - GTGGAAGCCA TGATGAAAAC CGCTATTGAT GCATGGGGAA CCATTGATGT CG -             #TCGTCAAC    480                                                                  - - AATGCAGGAA TCACTCGGGA TACCTTGTTG ATACGAATGA AGAAGTCCCA AT -             #GGGATGAA    540                                                                  - - GTGATTGATT TGAATCTCAC TGGAGTCTTT CTCTGTACCC AGGCAGCAAC AA -             #AGATCATG    600                                                                  - - ATGAAGAAGA GAAAGGGAAG AATCATCAAC ATTGCGTCAG TTGTTGGTCT CA -             #TTGGTAAT    660                                                                  - - ATTGGCCAAG CAAACTACGC TGCTGCTAAA GCTGGTGTTA TTGGGTTCTC CA -             #AGACTGCC    720                                                                  - - GCCAGAGAGG GTGCGAGCAG GAATATAAAT GTCAATGTGG TTTGCCCTGG GT -             #TCATTGCA    780                                                                  - - TCTGACATGA CTGCCAAGCT TGGAGAAGAC ATGGAAAAGA AAATCTTGGG AA -             #CAATCCCA    840                                                                  - - TTAGGACGAT ATGGACAACC TGAAGATGTG GCTGGCTTGG TAGAATTCTT GG -             #CTCTCAGT    900                                                                  - - CCTGCAGCTA GTTACATCAC AGGACAGGCA TTCACCATTG ATGGAGGTAT TG -             #CCATCTAG    960                                                                  - - GCATTTGTTA AGAGTTGCTT TGTGTTTAGG CAAAACCGAT TTGGTAAAAC AG -             #ACAAAGTT   1020                                                                  - - GAGTTTATTC CGGCACTTGG TCGGATTTCT GTTCTGTGGA TTCTGTTCGG AG -             #AGAAATCT   1080                                                                  - - AAAACGCATT GCTTAAACTA AGTTACGTAA TATATGAACC AAAGAGCTTT GT -             #GGAAATGA   1140                                                                  - - TGGAAGCATG TTTTG              - #                  - #                       - #  1155                                                                   - -  - - (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:3:                                      - -      (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 1299 base - #pairs                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                  - -     (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:3:                                - - TCGACTCACG AGACTTTGAG TATTTTGAGA GTGACCAAGA CGCAATGTAG TT -              #GGTCTCGG     60                                                                  - - GTAGTTTGGT TCTCACAAGC TACTCCTAAA TATGCATTCA TGACTTGGTT GG -             #CCTTATTG    120                                                                  - - AATAGGTTAT CTACTATGGA TAGAGTTGCA AGATGGAGCC AATGTGCGGA TA -             #CAATATGT    180                                                                  - - GTCCTCTGTA AAACGGCTCA AGAGACAAGA GATCATCTCT TTTTTGAGTG CT -             #CTTATTCA    240                                                                  - - TCGCAGATAT GGGGATCTCT TGTAAAAGGG ATATTGAAAG AGACGTATAC AA -             #ACGAGTGG    300                                                                  - - AAGGACATTG TGATTTGGAT ATCTGATGAG AAGATGGAAA GGATGAGACT GT -             #TTTGTATC    360                                                                  - - AGATATGCAT TTCAAATAGC ATTGTATACT CTTTGGAGAG AGAGAAACAA GG -             #TTCGTCAT    420                                                                  - - GAGAAGAAGC TCATGCCAAT CGAAGTGCTG AAGAAATTGG TAGATAAAGG GG -             #TGAGGAAT    480                                                                  - - AAGTTAAGTC TGATGAGATC AAAGAAAGTA AGATTTATGG AGAAAGGGTT AC -             #AGTTTTGG    540                                                                  - - TTTAGTACAA GATTGTAAAG TTCTTTGAGT TCTTATGGGG AGTTACTAAA AA -             #GATTACAT    600                                                                  - - AGTCTGCACC ATTTGATGTA AAAATGATCT TTTTGGTGAA TAACAATTTA AC -             #ATTCATTC    660                                                                  - - GGAAAAAAAA AAAAAATAAT AATAATCTTC TCCGAATTGA AATCGATTTG GT -             #TTGGTTCG    720                                                                  - - GTTTAAGTCT CTTTTATCTG ACTAGTCCCA CCAGTTCTCC AACAATAAAA CT -             #CAACTACA    780                                                                  - - CAGACAACCT CGTTCGTATC GCTTTTCGAA TTTTTTTATT TATTTTCTCT TG -             #AAATTATA    840                                                                  - - AAATACAAAA AGTCAAAGAC TTTTACTTAC TTTCGTCGCC TCTCTCTGAA TC -             #GATCTTTT    900                                                                  - - CGGACGGAGT TTTCCATCTC CTCAACTCTC ACAGTTAAAC AACTGTGTCT CT -             #ATGTGTTC    960                                                                  - - GATGGCCACC ACCGTCGCAG CAACAAAACT CACCTCCTTG AAAGCCACCG CC -             #GGGAAGCT   1020                                                                  - - CGGTTACCGT GAGATCTGCC AGGTCCGTCA ATGGTCTCCG CTTCAGTCTG CG -             #ATGCCTCA   1080                                                                  - - TTTCGGTATG CTGCGATGTA GACAGCCATT TGCAACCTCC ACTGGTAATT CA -             #GCTTCTTT   1140                                                                  - - CTCTCGGGCT TGGCTGTTTC CCTTAAGACT CTCTCTCTCT CTCTTCTCAT TA -             #GATTCTAT   1200                                                                  - - CTTCACGCAG TTGTGAACGC TCAAGCTCAA GCTCAAGCTC AAGCCACGGG TG -             #TTGAGCAA   1260                                                                  - - ACAACGACAG AAGAAGAAGA AGCTGTTCCA AAAGTGGAA      - #                       - #  1299                                                                      - -  - - (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:4:                                      - -      (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 338 base - #pairs                                                  (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                  - -    (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:4:                                 - - ATGGCCACCA CCGTCGCAGC AACAAAACTC ACCTCCTTGA AAGCCACCGC CG -              #GGAAGCTC     60                                                                  - - GGTTACCGTG AGATCTGCCA GGTCCGTCAA TGGTCTCCGC TTCAGTCTGC GA -             #TGCCTCAT    120                                                                  - - TTCGGTATGC TGCGATGTAG ACAGCCATTT GCAACCTCCA CTGGTAATTC AG -             #CTTCTTTC    180                                                                  - - TCTCGGGCTT GGCTGTTTCC CTTAAGACTC TCTCTCTCTC TCTTCTCATT AG -             #ATTCTATC    240                                                                  - - TTCACGCAGT TGTGAACGCT CAAGCTCAAG CTCAAGCTCA AGCCACGGGT GT -             #TGAGCAAA    300                                                                  - - CAACGACAGA AGAAGAAGAA GCTGTTCCAA AAGTGGAA      - #                       - #    338                                                                      - -  - - (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:5:                                      - -      (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 415 base - #pairs                                                  (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                  - -     (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:5:                                - - GGGCAAGCAA ACTACGCTGC AGCTAAAGCT GGAGTTATTG GGTTTTCCAA GA -              #CTGCCGCC     60                                                                  - - AGAGAGGGTG CTAGCAGGAA TATAAATGTA TGTAACCCAT ATACTCCTCT TT -             #TTCATTCT    120                                                                  - - TTGGACAGGA TATTAAACTT GGTCCATTGA CCAATTTGCT CTTTTACAGG TG -             #AACGTGGT    180                                                                  - - TTGCCCTGGA TTCATTGCAT CTGACATGAC TGCCAAGCTT GGAGAAGACA TG -             #GAAAAGAA    240                                                                  - - AATCTTGGGA AATCTTGGGA ACAATCCCAT TAGGTTAAAA AAAAAATAGA GG -             #GTTCAACT    300                                                                  - - TTTACATTGT GTTGTGGGTA GTTTTTCGTA GGTTAGGATG TATCTGATAC AA -             #AGCAAACT    360                                                                  - - TGATTTTTTT TTTTCAGGAC GATATGGACA ACCAGAAGAT GTGGCTGGCT TG - #GTC              415                                                                        - -  - - (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:6:                                      - -      (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 758 base - #pairs                                                  (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                  - -     (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:6:                                - - CGCCAAACCA TGATAAAAAG TGCCACTCCA GCGATATGTG GCTAAACAAA AA -              #GTGTCCTA     60                                                                  - - AATGGTAAGA CACTCATTGA TAAATAACAT ATTGGTTTGA TGTTGGGTAT AT -             #ACAGGTTC    120                                                                  - - GGTATAAAAT TGGTTCGGTT CAATCTGTTT GACTTCCAGC TTGCTGTCTA AA -             #TTCAACTA    180                                                                  - - CTACTGCAGT GGGCACACAC AAACCTTGTT CGTATCGCTG CTTTTCGAAA AT -             #TTCTCATT    240                                                                  - - TAAATATATA TATATATATT TTTTTTTTCA TTTAAATATT TGTTTAGAGA AG -             #AAAGACAA    300                                                                  - - GATTACGACT TTTTCTTCCT TCCCATCTCT CTCCTCTTCA AGGATTCGAT CT -             #TTACGAGG    360                                                                  - - TTCGCTAGTA CAGACGGCTT TTCTCTGATC TCCACTCTCG CCGTTAAACA AC -             #CCATTCTC    420                                                                  - - CGTTCCATGG CCACCACCTC CATCGCAGGA CCCAGACTCA CTTCCTTGAA AA -             #CCGCCGCC    480                                                                  - - GGGAAGCTCG GCTACCGTGA GATCTGTCAT GTCCGGCAAT GGGCTCCGGT TC -             #ATTCTCCG    540                                                                  - - ATGCCTCATT TCGGAATGCT GCGATGTGGA TCGCGACGCC CGTTTGCAAC CT -             #CCTCCTCC    600                                                                  - - ACTGGTATTC AGCTCCCCTC TCTCTCTCTG TTCCCTTAAC ATTTCGATCA TC -             #TCCATTCT    660                                                                  - - CATTAGAAGA TTCTATCCTA TCAGTTGTTC AAGCTCAAGC TCAAGCCACT GC -             #TGCTGAGC    720                                                                  - - AATCAACAGG TGAAGAAGAA GCTGGTCCGA AAGTGGAG      - #                       - #    758                                                                      - -  - - (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:7:                                      - -      (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 332 base - #pairs                                                  (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                  - -     (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:7:                                - - ATGGCCACCA CCTCCATCGC AGGACCCAGA CTCACTTCCT TGAAAACCGC CG -              #CCGGGAAG     60                                                                  - - CTCGGCTACC GTGAGATCTG TCATGTCCGG CAATGGGCTC CGGTTCATTC TC -             #CGATGCCT    120                                                                  - - CATTTCGGAA TGCTGCGATG TGGATCGCGA CGCCCGTTTG CAACCTCCTC CT -             #CCACTGGT    180                                                                  - - ATTCAGCTCC CCTCTCTCTC TCTGTTCCCT TAACATTTCG ATCATCTCCA TT -             #CTCATTAG    240                                                                  - - AAGATTCTAT CCTATCAGTT GTTCAAGCTC AAGCTCAAGC CACTGCTGCT GA -             #GCAATCAA    300                                                                  - - CAGGTGAAGA AGAAGCTGGT CCGAAAGTGG AG       - #                  - #              332                                                                      - -  - - (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:8:                                      - -      (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 408 base - #pairs                                                  (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                  - -     (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:8:                                - - GGCCAAGCAA ACTACGCTGC TGCTAAAGCT GGAGTTATCG GGTTCTCCAA GA -              #CTGCTGCC     60                                                                  - - AGAGAGGGTG CGAGCAGGAA TATTAACGTA CGCGACCTAG CTTCTCTCTT TC -             #TTTCCTTG    120                                                                  - - GAGGCTTGCT TGTACAAGAT TTTTAAGTTG GTCTGGTCTG TTAACGGTTT TC -             #TCTATTAC    180                                                                  - - AGGTCAATGT GGTTTGCCCC GGGTTCATTG CATCTGACAT GACTGCTAAA CT -             #TGGAGAAG    240                                                                  - - ACATGGAAAA GAAAATCTTG GGAACAATCC CATTAGGTAA TGGAGAGTCA AG -             #ATTTTACA    300                                                                  - - TTTGTTGCGG TTATTTTATG TAGGTTATTA GTATGTCTCT GATACAAAGC AA -             #ACTGGATT    360                                                                  - - AATTTTTCAG GACCATATGG ACAACCGGAA GATGTGGCTG GCTTGGTA  - #                    408                                                                         - -  - - (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:9:                                      - -      (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 315 amino - #acids                                                 (B) TYPE: amino acid                                                           (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                  - -     (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:9:                                - - Met Ala Thr Thr Val Ala Ala Thr Lys Leu Th - #r Ser Leu Lys Ala Val       1               5   - #                10  - #                15                - - Lys Lys Leu Gly Phe Arg Glu Ile Arg Gln Va - #l Arg Gln Trp Thr Pro                   20      - #            25      - #            30                    - - Leu Gln Ser Ser Met Pro His Phe Gly Ser Ar - #g Gln Ser Phe Ala Thr               35          - #        40          - #        45                        - - Ser Thr Val Val Lys Ala Gln Ala Thr Ala Va - #l Glu Gln Ser Thr Gly           50              - #    55              - #    60                            - - Glu Ala Val Pro Lys Val Glu Ser Pro Val Va - #l Val Val Thr Gly Ala       65                  - #70                  - #75                  - #80         - - Ser Arg Gly Ile Gly Lys Ala Ile Ala Leu Se - #r Leu Gly Lys Ala Gly                       85  - #                90  - #                95                - - Cys Lys Val Leu Val Asn Tyr Ala Arg Ser Al - #a Lys Glu Ala Glu Glu                   100      - #           105      - #           110                   - - Val Ser Lys Gln Ile Glu Ala Tyr Gly Gly Gl - #n Ala Ile Thr Phe Gly               115          - #       120          - #       125                       - - Gly Asp Val Ser Lys Glu Ala Asp Val Glu Al - #a Met Met Lys Thr Ala           130              - #   135              - #   140                           - - Ile Asp Ala Trp Gly Thr Ile Asp Val Val Va - #l Asn Asn Ala Gly Ile       145                 1 - #50                 1 - #55                 1 -       #60                                                                               - - Thr Arg Asp Thr Leu Leu Ile Arg Met Lys Ly - #s Ser Gln Trp Asp         Glu                                                                                              165  - #               170  - #               175              - - Val Ile Asp Leu Asn Leu Thr Gly Val Phe Le - #u Cys Thr Gln Ala Ala                   180      - #           185      - #           190                   - - Thr Lys Ile Met Met Lys Lys Arg Lys Gly Ar - #g Ile Ile Asn Ile Ala               195          - #       200          - #       205                       - - Ser Val Val Gly Leu Ile Gly Asn Ile Gly Gl - #n Ala Asn Tyr Ala Ala           210              - #   215              - #   220                           - - Ala Lys Ala Gly Val Ile Gly Phe Ser Lys Th - #r Ala Ala Arg Glu Gly       225                 2 - #30                 2 - #35                 2 -       #40                                                                               - - Ala Ser Arg Asn Ile Asn Val Asn Val Val Cy - #s Pro Gly Phe Ile         Ala                                                                                              245  - #               250  - #               255              - - Ser Asp Met Thr Ala Lys Leu Gly Glu Asp Me - #t Glu Lys Lys Ile Leu                   260      - #           265      - #           270                   - - Gly Thr Ile Pro Leu Gly Arg Tyr Gly Gln Pr - #o Glu Asp Val Ala Gly               275          - #       280          - #       285                       - - Leu Val Glu Phe Leu Ala Leu Ser Pro Ala Al - #a Ser Tyr Ile Thr Gly           290              - #   295              - #   300                           - - Gln Ala Phe Thr Ile Asp Gly Gly Ile Ala Il - #e                           305                 3 - #10                 3 - #15                             - -  - - (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:10:                                     - -      (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 315 amino - #acids                                                 (B) TYPE: amino acid                                                           (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                  - -     (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:10:                               - - Met Ala Thr Thr Val Ala Ala Thr Lys Leu Th - #r Ser Leu Lys Ala Val       1               5   - #                10  - #                15                - - Lys Lys Leu Gly Phe Arg Glu Ile Arg Gln Va - #l Arg Gln Trp Thr Pro                   20      - #            25      - #            30                    - - Leu Gln Ser Ser Met Pro His Phe Gly Ser Ar - #g Gln Ser Phe Ala Thr               35          - #        40          - #        45                        - - Ser Thr Val Val Lys Ala Gln Ala Thr Ala Va - #l Glu Gln Ser Thr Gly           50              - #    55              - #    60                            - - Glu Ala Val Pro Lys Val Glu Ser Pro Val Va - #l Val Val Thr Gly Ala       65                  - #70                  - #75                  - #80         - - Ser Arg Gly Ile Gly Lys Ala Ile Ala Leu Se - #r Leu Gly Lys Ala Gly                       85  - #                90  - #                95                - - Cys Lys Val Leu Val Asn Tyr Ala Arg Ser Al - #a Lys Glu Ala Glu Glu                   100      - #           105      - #           110                   - - Val Ser Lys Gln Ile Glu Ala Tyr Gly Gly Gl - #n Ala Ile Thr Phe Gly               115          - #       120          - #       125                       - - Gly Asp Val Ser Lys Glu Ala Asp Val Glu Al - #a Met Met Lys Thr Ala           130              - #   135              - #   140                           - - Ile Asp Ala Trp Gly Thr Ile Asp Val Val Va - #l Asn Asn Ala Gly Ile       145                 1 - #50                 1 - #55                 1 -       #60                                                                               - - Thr Arg Asp Thr Leu Leu Ile Arg Met Lys Ly - #s Ser Gln Trp Asp         Glu                                                                                              165  - #               170  - #               175              - - Val Ile Asp Leu Asn Leu Thr Gly Val Phe Le - #u Cys Thr Gln Ala Ala                   180      - #           185      - #           190                   - - Thr Lys Ile Met Met Lys Lys Arg Lys Gly Ar - #g Ile Ile Asn Ile Ala               195          - #       200          - #       205                       - - Ser Val Val Gly Leu Ile Gly Asn Ile Gly Gl - #n Ala Asn Tyr Ala Ala           210              - #   215              - #   220                           - - Ala Lys Ala Gly Val Ile Gly Phe Ser Lys Th - #r Ala Ala Arg Glu Gly       225                 2 - #30                 2 - #35                 2 -       #40                                                                               - - Ala Ser Arg Asn Ile Asn Val Asn Val Val Cy - #s Pro Gly Phe Ile         Ala                                                                                              245  - #               250  - #               255              - - Ser Asp Met Thr Ala Lys Leu Gly Glu Asp Me - #t Glu Lys Lys Ile Leu                   260      - #           265      - #           270                   - - Gly Thr Ile Pro Leu Gly Arg Tyr Gly Gln Pr - #o Glu Asp Val Ala Gly               275          - #       280          - #       285                       - - Leu Val Glu Phe Leu Ala Leu Ser Pro Ala Al - #a Ser Tyr Ile Thr Gly           290              - #   295              - #   300                           - - Gln Ala Phe Thr Ile Asp Gly Gly Ile Ala Il - #e                           305                 3 - #10                 3 - #15                           __________________________________________________________________________ 

We claim:
 1. A cDNA of rape seed β-ketoreductase comprising SEQ ID NO:1.
 2. A cDNA of rape leaf β-ketoreductase comprising SEQ ID NO:2.
 3. A genomic DNA of rape β-ketoreductase pJGR11.7, deposited in Escherichia coli strain XL1-Blue with the National Collection of Industrial and Marine Bacteria Limited, 23 St.Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB2 1RY, under the terms of the Budapest Treaty on the Deposit of Microorganism for Patent Purposes, Accession Number 40640, date of deposit May 26,
 1994. 4. A genomic DNA of rape β-ketoreductase pJGR24.10, deposited in Escherichia coli strain XL1-Blue with the National Collection of Industrial and Marine Bacteria Limited, 23 St.Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB2 1RY, under the terms of the Budapest Treaty on the Deposit of Microorganism for Patent Purposes, Accession Number 40641, date of deposit May 26,
 1994. 5. A genomic DNA of rape β-ketoreductase pJGR27.11, deposited in Escherichia coli strain XL1-Blue with the National Collection of Industrial and Marine Bacteria Limited, 23 St.Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB2 1RY, under the terms of the Budapest Treaty on the Deposit of Microorganism for Patent Purposes, Accession Number 40642, date of deposit May 26,
 1994. 6. An isolated DNA comprising the sequence shown from nucleotide 70 to nucleotide 1014 in SEQ ID NO:1 or the sequence shown from nucleotide 13 to nucleotide 957 in SEQ ID NO:2.
 7. A plant transformed with a DNA construct comprising: the sequence shown from nucleotide 70 to nucleotide 1014 in SEQ ID NO:1; or the sequence shown from nucleotide 13 to nucleotide 957 in SEQ ID NO:2.
 8. A recombinant vector comprising the sequence shown from nucleotide 70 to nucleotide 1014 in SEQ ID NO:1 or the sequence shown from nucleotide 13 to nucleotide 957 in SEQ ID NO:2. 